BMW X5M BMW X6MBMW Whereas once it used to focus on hot wagons basically suicide for sales these days now BMW is turning its performance aspirations on tuned versions of its popular SUVs. The next trucks to receive the M treatment are the companys X5 and X6.From the outside, you probably wouldnt know it was an M, if you didnt see the badges. A black grille and new splitter are present, and there are a couple new gills in the side panels to go along with the aerodynamically optimized mirrors.Under the skin is where the changes really matter, though. For the M versions of both vehicles, BMWs venerable 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 from the M5 has been pressed into service, making 600 horsepower and 553 lb.-ft. of torque. Stepping up to the Competition spec in either model means a bump up to a whopping 625 horsepower. The massive power boost from stock means the performance has also, well, improved, to make an understatement. Now 100 km/h shows up from zero in just 3.9 seconds for the M, and 3.8 seconds for the M Competition. Both engines are hooked up to an eight-speed automatic transmission.Unfortunately, BMW has not included a selectable rear-drive mode like it has in the M5, so drivers will have to settle for the 4WD Sport mode when making those pulls. Peel back a few more layers and we see the overpowered people-haulers also sport an M electronic differential, M exhaust and M brakes (which are a huge 15.6 and 15 inches, front and rear, respectively).Canadian pricing and availability have not been
Origin: BMW unveils X5 M and X6 M, with Competition packages for each
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Ram trucks add new options and packages for 2020
2020 Ram 1500 Night EditionRam Ram truck fans will have a few more choices for 2020, as the company has announced its bringing Night Edition and Rebel Black trims to the 1500, and offering new options and colours on the 1500 and Heavy Duty models.The Night Edition, available on the Laramie, includes a monochromatic design with 22-inch black wheels, black grille and badges, black exhaust tips and dark bezels on the headlamps and taillights.The Ram Rebel Black Appearance returns for 2020, adding Diamond Black Crystal Pearl Coat paint, 18-inch black wheels and black front spoiler, skid plate, badges, tow hooks and exhaust. LED headlamps with black bezels are standard, as is an all-black interior, with a black-and-red interior available as an option. Also available on the Rebel is a new safety package that adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and hold, emergency front braking, lane-departure warning and automatic high-beam headlamps.Other new options include a comfort package of power tailgate release, wireless phone charging, rear heated seats and 12-way power drivers seat on the Sport and Rebel; blind-spot monitoring on the Tradesman; new graphics on the Rebel; and available 22-inch two-tone wheels on the Longhorn. The 2020 Ram Heavy Duty now offers lane-keeping assist and adaptive steering on all trim levels; blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage as an option; optional trailer tire pressure monitoring system; connected service on all radio options; dual auxiliary camera capability; and Olive Green and Hydro Blue exterior paint, while the Ram Power Wagon comes with a black wheel option.Ram has already announced the return of the 3.0-L V6 EcoDiesel in the 1500, a third-generation version making 480 lb.-ft. of torque and with a top towing capacity of 12,560 lbs (5,697 kg). Its starting price is $49,395.In the Ram 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty models, the optional Cummins inline-six turbodiesel engine makes up to 1,000 lb.-ft. of torque, currently the highest in the
Origin: Ram trucks add new options and packages for 2020
GM outlines retirement packages for workers at closing Oshawa plant
An assembly line worker at the General Motors Assembly plant in Oshawa works on a car on Friday, December 16, 2011.Chris Young / The Canadian Press Workers who are losing their jobs at GM’s plant in Oshawa, Ontario could receive retirement packages that reach as high as $150,000, along with a $10,000 voucher against the purchase of a new car. The plant’s closure will send some 2,600 assembly line workers out the door when the Chevrolet Impala, Cadillac XTS and last-generation full-size pickup trucks end production later this year. GM recently announced it is investing $170 million into the plant to stamp new and aftermarket parts, and to turn a portion of the plant into a test track for autonomous vehicles. The move is expected to save 300 hourly jobs, which could grow to 500 jobs in three years. Unifor Local 222, which represents the workers, outlined the retirement packages. About 1,300 employees will qualify to receive them. The top package of $150,000 is for skilled trades. For other employees with 30 years of credited service, or who are of retirement age, the package will be $130,000. Both packages would include a vehicle voucher. Workers with ten years of service, but who are younger than 50, can accept a $130,000 package and voucher. Those of the appropriate age can instead opt for a three-year layoff and then receive early retirement benefits when they turn 50 years old. The packages for those with less than ten years of service range from $40,000 for those with at least four years, to a payment of $10,000 for those who worked for less than a year. GM also operates two other facilities in Ontario: a powertrain plant in St. Catharines, and a parts centre in Woodstock. Some Oshawa workers with more than five years of experience will be eligible for a $10,000 allowance to relocate to those facilities, and in turn, senior workers at those plants will be offered a $40,000 retirement incentive to open new positions on a one-job-for-one-job
Origin: GM outlines retirement packages for workers at closing Oshawa plant
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